Lionel Messi is called ‘the greatest footballer of all time’ and he lives up to his title. Turning 37 this Monday (24th June), he recently won his 8th Ballon d’Or – setting a new record. The second place record is held by Portugal’s icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has seven Ballon d’Ors.
Born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s family moved to Barcelona when he was 13 to nurture his natural talents. He began his career at FC Barcelona’s U14 team and quickly rose through the ranks to become the football star he is today.
The following are 5 of his most significant career achievements that have set him apart in his football career.
- The Most Ballon d’Or Wins
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards, having won it eight times (in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023). This prestigious award is given annually to the world’s best player and Messi has proved time and again that he is not only his generation’s greatest but maybe the greatest of all time.
- Most Goals in a Calendar Year
In 2012, Messi scored an astonishing 91 goals for club and country, breaking Gerd Müller’s long-standing record of 85 goals set in 1972. This feat includes 79 goals for Barcelona and 12 for Argentina.
- Most Goals in La Liga
Messi is the all-time top scorer in La Liga history, with 474 goals in 520 appearances for FC Barcelona. La Liga, officially known as LaLiga Santander, is the top professional football division of the Spanish football league and one of the world’s prestigious football leagues that hosts the world’s top football clubs.
- Most Goals in El Clásico Matches:
With 26 goals, Messi is the top scorer in the history of El Clásico, the fiercely contested matches between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. One of Lionel Messi’s best performances in El Clásico came on April 23, 2017, during a thrilling match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Messi scored twice, including a dramatic last-minute winner to secure a 3-2 victory for Barcelona.
- Most Goals for a Single Club
Messi scored 672 goals for FC Barcelona, making him the player with the most goals for a single club in football history. This record is achieved over 17 seasons and marks Messi’s consistency in performing brilliantly.
